Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates in the coming week, amid growing concerns about the country’s alleged ties to atrocities in Sudan. The UAE is reportedly backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Sudan’s civil conflict, while Canada faces scrutiny for the presence of Canadian-manufactured armored vehicles in the same conflict zone. The RSF has been implicated in brutal massacres and mass rapes in Sudan over the last fortnight, raising questions about Ottawa’s relationship with the UAE.
Despite these controversies, Canada’s engagement with the UAE remains robust due to the Gulf nation’s significant economic and diplomatic achievements in recent years. Notably, the UAE secured approval from the Trump administration for the acquisition of cutting-edge chip technology, highlighting its commercial prowess. With UAE’s substantial investment funds exceeding three trillion dollars, there is considerable Emirati investment in Canada, amounting to over $30 billion, as confirmed by the UAE Embassy in Ottawa.
National Revenue and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, accompanying Carney on the trip, emphasized the strong interest in Canada from the UAE. The UAE-Canada relationship has seen positive developments, starting with the resolution of long-standing disputes over landing rights and visa fees during the Harper government era. The two countries have further solidified their ties through various agreements focusing on trade, investment, and defense cooperation.
However, the UAE’s reputation has been marred by allegations of funding atrocities in Sudan, which the country vehemently denies. Despite denials, reports point to ongoing movements of resources between the UAE and Sudan, suggesting deeper involvement in the Sudanese conflict to secure access to valuable minerals, particularly gold, and strategic locations like Port Sudan.
Concerns have been raised about the presence of Canadian-made armored vehicles in Sudan, with evidence pointing to their use by the RSF. Streit Group, a company operating a manufacturing plant in the UAE, has been linked to the production of these vehicles. Calls for a more stringent arms embargo on Sudan have intensified, as Canadian weapons continue to surface in conflict zones, underscoring the need for greater accountability in arms exports.
While Canada has imposed restrictions on direct arms sales to Sudan, critics argue that more stringent measures are required to prevent arms from reaching the RSF through third-party channels. The lack of transparency in arms trade and the UAE’s role in facilitating such transactions have raised concerns among advocacy groups, urging Canada to reassess its arms export policies.
Despite mounting pressure, both Global Affairs Canada and the UAE authorities have remained tight-lipped on their positions regarding the Sudan conflict. The UAE’s diplomatic influence, backed by substantial wealth and strategic alliances, has shielded it from significant international scrutiny, making it challenging to hold the country accountable for its alleged involvement in the Sudanese crisis.